RE: Rocketeer Mazda MX-5 V6 | PH Review

[donkmeister]

One of the YouTube channels did a Rocketeer conversion to prove it could be done on your driveway with common home mechanic tools, I recall the quality of the parts was high and the kit well designed.

Monster Miata (now folded, it looks like) used to do a similar line in Ford Modular V8 conversions for the MX5, so a V8 can be done... Modern day AC Cobra?

[Jamescrs]

donkmeister said:

One of the YouTube channels did a Rocketeer conversion to prove it could be done on your driveway with common home mechanic tools, I recall the quality of the parts was high and the kit well designed.

Monster Miata (now folded, it looks like) used to do a similar line in Ford Modular V8 conversions for the MX5, so a V8 can be done... Modern day AC Cobra?

Car Throttle did it, maybe that's the one you are thinking of? Alex still has the car now.

[waynecyclist]

Jamescrs said:

donkmeister said:

One of the YouTube channels did a Rocketeer conversion to prove it could be done on your driveway with common home mechanic tools, I recall the quality of the parts was high and the kit well designed.

Monster Miata (now folded, it looks like) used to do a similar line in Ford Modular V8 conversions for the MX5, so a V8 can be done... Modern day AC Cobra?

Car Throttle did it, maybe that's the one you are thinking of? Alex still has the car now.

Yep he was going to sell it but did not in the end.

I think it is a nice conversion.

[feef]

callahan said:

I had that engine in an X Type estate (manual) and you're right, it didn't suit the car at all. Bet it's fantastic in an MX5 though.

Mind you, a Busso v6 could be even nicer. Aurally at least.

Love it.

Unfortunately the Busso is too tall to fit, and is quite a bit heavier.

I've got a 1UZ and associated bits to install in an MX5, but I've had to scrap my shell due to rust and lack of workshop space. Once I have somewhere to work on a car again, I'll resurrect that project

[V8 FOU]

£70K doesn't surprise me.
I have done work on numerous bikes with final bills from £25-£30K. And to add insult, as a business you are lucky to make minimum wage for all the hours involved.

[Tyre Smoke]

I'd love this in a NC. Wonder if it's possible? Next winter's project for the wife's car....

[NJJ]

Highlights the point that Mazda should have always dared to do a hot MX5 utilising a V6 at some point but maybe there wouldn't have been the market for it at the inevitable higher price point.

Best of British to Rocketeer as Dan says, a restomod for those in the real world. Great review and an exciting company to watch!

[paulguitar]

Tyre Smoke said:

I'd love this in a NC. Wonder if it's possible? Next winter's project for the wife's car....

I just sold my NC, I think if one had been available with this V6, it would have probably been a 'forever' car. I loved it as it was, but I never really got used to it being a lot slower than I was used to, which in real terms means you struggle to overtake. Still loved it though, even with just the 160BHP, but the idea of having more than 100BHP more, with a great sound as well, is very enticing...

[CoolHands]

Kudos to the bloke setting up a new business like this. It’s never going to make complete financial sense, buts it’s pretty cool that it brings back a bit of that kit-car era.

[Bill]

NJJ said:

Highlights the point that Mazda should have always dared to do a hot MX5 utilising a V6 at some point but maybe there wouldn't have been the market for it at the inevitable higher price point.

Best of British to Rocketeer as Dan says, a restomod for those in the real world. Great review and an exciting company to watch!

Looks great! I struggle with the price though, but I suspect that's because, unlike a Singer, it's actually achievable.

[Tyre Smoke]

£5k plus vat for a drop in engine is cheap as chips. I am going to keep a close eye on this and hopefully a NC version becomes available.

Wife's car is a 1.8 with the 5sp box, is the 6sp box a direct swap? That might be the first move.

[PushedDover]

Tyre Smoke said:

£5k plus vat for a drop in engine is cheap as chips. I am going to keep a close eye on this and hopefully a NC version becomes available.

Wife's car is a 1.8 with the 5sp box, is the 6sp box a direct swap? That might be the first move.

Engine is only part of it though... the Subframe(s), change to the suspension, then brakes etc.
When pricing it up, the creep does end up consistently about £12k-£15k.....

[sideways man]

I think PH needs to arrange an interview with Mr Bruce Southey.

Great idea,mating a small v6 to one of these

[DoddsyFrs]

edoverheels said:

It would have to be an NA (Mk1) MX5 as the donor for me and then difficult to imagine having much more real world fun. However the MX5 rust issues remain. Unless you restored the shell you would always be worrying about it and once you start down that road I think the expense would take the fun out of it. Looks brilliant nonetheless.

My thoughts exactly. Extremely fond memories of my 5 year love affair with a 1999 NB 1.8 iS but unseen rot killed it. Cracking cars though.

[VR6 Eug]

A1VDY said:

Strange they didn't go for the 2.9 24v Cosworth engine as fitted to Granadas..

To old and expensive to rebuild, were talking a very heavy engine as well 170kg vs 105kg for the duratec V6.
The 3.0 has 40 hp more and more torque.

[Bispal]

I like it!

I also like a standard NA MX5 but this is very appealing.

Anyone know what seats are in the car PH tested? Usually S1 Elise seats are an easy swap but these look more like skinny Boxster seats?

[Jon_S_Rally]

A1VDY said:

Strange they didn't go for the 2.9 24v Cosworth engine as fitted to Granadas..

It's iron blocked and a bit of a boat anchor by comparison really. It wasn't a bad engine in its day, but the Duratec is much better.

cramorra said:

One to watch
Interesting card
Great sound
Cheap base
I guess 20 k will give you something that looks nice enough sounds great and has some mod cons like phone integration in...
I wonder if they ll do a mk 3 with the folding Hardtop as this will add rigidity

I thought the same. The MK3 is a bit more modern and, in facelift form, a smart looking car I think. A friend had a 2.0-litre Sport and I always thought the engine let it down a bit somehow. A bit harsh and not ever-so quick. With a V6, it would be rather special.

jason61c said:

On the locost builders forum these have been happening for years.

Spend £12.k on a car for it to be worth £5k straight after?

The only way it can make sense with massive man maths applied is by you doing the swap.

I'm not sure it needs to make financial sense, does it? For many people, cars are their hobby. The return is enjoyment rather than money.

[PushedDover]

no mention of waiting lists? or delivery times. Anyone know ?

[feef]

Bispal said:

I like it!

I also like a standard NA MX5 but this is very appealing.

Anyone know what seats are in the car PH tested? Usually S1 Elise seats are an easy swap but these look more like skinny Boxster seats?

They look like standard NB/FL seats that have been retrimmed and possibly had a 'foamectomy' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wpS_ubaHKJE

[RJH777]

I've just gone and put the deposit down on a convertible V6S F Type and I'm seriously tempted to pull out and see what one of these specced up for c.£25k would look like...

Always liked the idea of the MX5 but found them too underpowered and it a bit strange Mazda never did a "hot" version but this would seem to solve that.